Cantenna
- A "cantenna" is also a brand name for a dummy load.
A cantenna is a directional waveguide antenna for long-range Wi-Fi used to increase the range of (or discover) a wireless network.
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[edit] Origin of the name
The term "Cantenna" originally referred to a product sold by Heathkit Co. in Benton Harbor, MI, USA. It was a 50 ohm resistive load used by radio amateurs.[1] However, in the more casual vernacular of the Do-It-Yourself community, it has functionally become a portmanteau of can (e.g. an empty Pringles can, see below) and antenna, since the device is used to broadcast (and receive) signals, and not just terminate them.
[edit] Construction
Although some designs are based on a Pringles potato chip can, in reality this tube is too narrow to be practical.[2] However, a cantenna can be made from various cans or tubes of an appropriate diameter.[3] Some designs include a pole mount to elevate the cantenna.[4]
At 2.4 GHz, losses can occur if the cable from the cantenna to the Wi-Fi circuitry is too long. A more efficient cantenna can be made by minimising this length or connecting the cantenna directly to the Wi-Fi circuitry.[5]
[edit] Usage
- While cantennas are useful for extending a wireless local area network (WLAN), the tiny design makes them ideal for mobile applications such as wardriving. The design of the cantenna is so simple that it is often the first antenna Wi-Fi experimenters learn to build.
- Cantennas can be used to increase cell phone range,[6] improve reception, and decrease noise.
- A cantenna can be used as a satellite dish feed horn. The 5.5 GHz cantenna dimensions are almost perfect in that they make a perfect fit for the standard TV satellite dish. The resulting setup is a low-cost high-quality high-gain antenna.[7] Such setups are widely used in wireless community networks for long-distance Wi-Fi links.
- Cantennas may be used with other RF devices such as wireless security cameras.[8]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Hutchinson, Chuck. (May 1984). "Heathkit Cantenna, Model HN-31A". QST. p. 42.
- ^ "PC FAQ's: Build a 'Cantenna' Aerial". Archived from the original on 2008-04-11. http://web.archive.org/web/20080411034630/http://www.pelaginox.com/pc/pc-cantenna.html.
- ^ Wlan antenna Waveguide type (includes table of suitable dimensions for cantenna)
- ^ Cantenna build on a pole (includes construction plans)
- ^ Amateurlogic Episode 3 (Construction details for a more efficient cantenna)
- ^ MAKE: Blog: Cell phone - Cantenna diagram and parts list
- ^ 5.5 GHz cantenna as a satellite dish feed
- ^ Cantenna.com User Guide
[edit] External links
- Amateurlogic Episode 3 (Construction details for a more efficient cantenna)
- Waveguide Can-tenna
- Extend your wireless network by building a Wi-Fi cantenna
- Youtube video on How To Build A low loss Cantenna
- How To Build A Tin Can Waveguide Antenna
- Antenna in a Pringles can
- Do-It-Yourself Wireless Antenna Update
- Cantenna Calculator
- Extending Your Wireless Range with a Cantenna
- How to build Cantenna (Video)
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